E-MAIL ASSISTANCE SCAM
The E-Mail Assistance Scam is a variant of a "Nigerian 419 Scam" or a "phishing scam." These letters are usually received via e-mail, but could also be received via fax or U.S. Mail as well. The letters will often advise that the writer has had a recent hardship, like a death or illness within their family, and they need your "assistance."
The letters will explain that sender has incurred bills and expenses that they cannot afford. They will then request your personal information, bank account numbers, etc. Some of these letters will state that if you assist them in this time of need they will pay you the money back with interest, or that they have the money avaialable and your payment will assist them with the legal expenses to retrieve the money for you.
These E-mails will obviously be from an e-mail address that you are not familiar with and the letters usually contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors. Remember, if you plan to donate your money to a charity or organization, you should always verify that the charity is legitimate.
The letters will explain that sender has incurred bills and expenses that they cannot afford. They will then request your personal information, bank account numbers, etc. Some of these letters will state that if you assist them in this time of need they will pay you the money back with interest, or that they have the money avaialable and your payment will assist them with the legal expenses to retrieve the money for you.
These E-mails will obviously be from an e-mail address that you are not familiar with and the letters usually contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors. Remember, if you plan to donate your money to a charity or organization, you should always verify that the charity is legitimate.
www.richmondIDtheft.com
The Metro Richmond Identity Theft Task Force is a cooperative effort
Click HERE for a complete list of scams and other fraudulent activity.
of federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies working together to address
the growing problem of financial crimes. The task force is run under the direction of the
United States Postal Inspection Service.